Motorists are being blinded by the intensity of modern headlights “more than ever before” claim campaigners, despite reassurances from transport officials. The issue was raised in Parliament after figures revealed dazzling headlights contributed to 216 crashes in 2023, with Surrey one of the worst affected areas.
When questioned about the Department for Transport assessment of the safety of LED headlights, Lilian Greenwood MP said statistics “do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively”
However, feedback from AA members contradicts this, with Edmund King, president of the AA, revealing that members frequently report being “blinded” by vehicles with LED lights. Labour MP Graeme Downie who asked the written question in Parliament, also highlighted a concern over some drivers being unaware of how their vehicle’s lights might affect other road users.
National collision figures point to dazzling headlights playing a role in 216 incidents in 2023, with both Surrey and Kent the worst affected areas with 11 collisions each. The latest figures mark a slight increase from 211 in the previous year but lower than the 315 reported in 2017 and 309 from 10 years earlier. Future insights are expected with independent research on headlight glare scheduled for release later this year.
Mr King said: “Our own research shows it is an issue for some drivers with three quarters saying they have been blinded by oncoming headlights. Our members tell us that they are feeling the strain of brighter headlights more than ever before, as well as brighter brake and traffic lights. Conversely, they also say brighter lights enhance road safety.
“The problem seems to be LED lights on higher vehicles such as SUVs. The Government-sponsored investigation into the use of LED lights on our roads should help clarify this issue further, as well as provide appropriate measures where needed.”
Mr Downie, the MP for Dunfermline and Dollar in Scotland, told PA news agency: “I have heard from constituents, as well as from family and friends and my own experience driving round the constituency that cars with newer LED lights can be blinding for other road users.
“While they might illuminate the road well for the driver, they dazzle in the eyes of other road users and could be dangerous. In addition, technology such as automatic beam control that is more common means some drivers are less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others.
“The safety of individual drivers cannot be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians. I am glad this is something the Government is now looking at and I look forward to the results and what action can be taken to improve road safety.”
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis added: “Few issues we deal with have triggered quite as much of a reaction among drivers as the brightness of headlights. It’s clear that, for a proportion of the driving public, glare affects them profoundly on the roads at night.
“But while the frustration is evident, the causes of the problem and what can be done about it are much less clear. That’s why the Government-funded project is so important.”
In a written response to Mr Downie, Ms Greenwood, Parliamentary under-secretary for Department for Transport, stated: “National collision statistics, which can record headlamp dazzle as a contributory factor, do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively to road vehicle collisions.
“However, noting increased public concern, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and develop potential countermeasures. This work is under way and is due to deliver in summer 2025.”
Get the latest Surrey traffic and travel updates direct to your inbox for free here.